Top Colorectal Surgery in Chattanooga, TN
University Surgical Associates (USA) experienced colorectal surgeons in Chattanooga, TN, specialize in colorectal surgery and the treatment of the colon and rectal cancer as well as hemorrhoids, fissures, fistulas, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, polyps, rectal prolapse, and pelvic floor disorders and have attained certification from the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery (ABCRS) and American Board of Surgery (ABS).
What Is Colorectal Surgery?
Colorectal surgery is a specialized field of medicine focused on diagnosing and treating disorders of the colon, rectum, and anus. Colorectal surgeons treat a wide range of digestive and gastrointestinal conditions, including colorectal cancer, hemorrhoids, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), rectal prolapse, anal fissures, and colon polyps.
Also known as colon and rectal surgery or proctology, colorectal surgery includes both minimally invasive and traditional surgical procedures designed to improve digestive health, relieve symptoms, and treat diseases affecting the lower gastrointestinal tract.
At University Surgical Associates, our board-certified colorectal surgeons provide advanced colorectal surgery services in Chattanooga, TN, using modern diagnostic tools and evidence-based treatment options tailored to each patient’s needs.
Trusted Colorectal Surgery Specialists Near You in Chattanooga, TN
A colon and rectal surgeon is proficient in the field of general surgery, but has also acquired particular specialized expertise in diagnosis, as well as medical and surgical management, including preoperative and postoperative care, specific to the colon and rectum. These skilled surgeons can remove polyps during colonoscopy, repair hernias, resect diseased tissue, and reconstruct bowel anatomy to restore function and improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
USA’s expert colorectal surgeons, all of whom are board certified and faculty members of the University of Tennessee College of Medicine, are leaders in the colorectal field and treat a variety of diagnosis and perform several types of surgeries, including colectomy surgery.
They also treat colon and rectal cancers, and may manage many of these conditions utilizing minimally-invasive laparoscopic techniques to improve recovery with benefits including reduced pain, minimal scarring, faster recovery time, and shorter hospital stay. Many procedures are performed on an outpatient basis with various sedation options available for patient comfort.
USA also provides comprehensive colon and rectal cancer screening services, including colonoscopies and sigmoidoscopy with biopsy capabilities to detect and prevent colorectal disease early. To schedule a colonoscopy screening, call USA at 423-267-0466.
What to Expect At Your First Colorectal Surgery Appointment
During your first colorectal surgery appointment, you will meet the compassionate colorectal surgeon who will be caring for you. He/she will evaluate and determine a personalized treatment plan designed specifically for you. Our patient-centered approach emphasizes shared decision-making and patient education and empowerment, ensuring you understand all alternative treatments, risks and complications, and expected recovery time for any recommended procedures.
The first part of your initial consultation will be similar to any physician visit. You will undergo a thorough history and physical where you will be asked to discuss your personal health history as well as your family history to assess your risk for conditions like bowel obstruction, abscess formation, and incontinence. During this conversation, it will be important for you to know what medications you are currently taking, the dosage, and for what conditions. It will be helpful for you to write down a list of your medications and bring it with you.
After reviewing your history, medications, surgical history and other medical records, the physician will conduct a comprehensive physical exam which may include a rectal exam and/or anoscopy.
Rectal Exam
For this exam, you will be asked to lower your pants and undergarments to your knees and a paper drape sheet will be provided for you to cover up with until the exam begins. With gloved hands, the physician will examine the anus and the perianal area, which is the skin around the anus. The physician will also insert his/her finger to assess for diseases inside the anus. A rectal exam is performed quickly and shouldn’t cause any significant pain. Many people are concerned about having this exam because of potential embarrassment. However, our compassionate physicians perform these exams routinely and will work to ensure that you feel as comfortable as possible. We practice cultural sensitivity in care and understand patient anxiety about procedures.
Anoscopy
In some cases, the physician may use a device called an anoscope to look inside the anus. The anoscope is a short, narrow tube which can be inserted into the anus. By using this device, a physician can see if there is an explanation for your symptoms and can excise tissue for biopsy if abnormalities are detected. An anoscope may cause brief discomfort, but not pain, and is over in a minute or two. When the physician uses an anoscope, which is a routine part of the exam, the physician bills this as a separate charge in addition to the appointment charge, just as a gynecologist bills separately for a pap smear during that appointment. We encourage you to check with your insurance carrier before the appointment to determine how your insurance will process the following anoscopy codes: 46600 and 46601.
Contact Us Today for Colorectal Surgery Pricing Information
If you have questions about colorectal surgery, anoscopy pricing, or insurance coverage, our team is here to help. Please call our office at 423-267-0466 to obtain current pricing on the codes if needed or to learn more about scheduling your appointment.
